If you’re a teenager looking to impress your friends (or just satisfy your cravings) with some mouthwatering chapati, you’re in the right place! Chef D Wainaina’s method for making soft, fluffy chapati (also known as paratha or roti) is super easy and guarantees that perfect texture we all love. Let’s break down the simple steps so you can enjoy fresh, homemade chapatis right from your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour.
- 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or ghee for extra richness)
- A pinch of salt (optional, but it adds flavor)
- Warm water (enough to form a smooth dough)
- Extra flour for rolling (optional)
Steps to Make Soft & Fluffy Chapati
1.Mix the Flour and Salt
In a large mixing bowl, combine your whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients together so they’re evenly mixed.
2.Add Oil and Mix It In
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the flour mixture. Rub the oil into the flour with your fingers. This helps create those soft, flaky layers in the chapati. Don’t skip this step — it’s key to achieving that fluffy texture!
3.Knead the Dough
Slowly add warm water, a little at a time, as you mix the dough. Once the flour starts to come together, use your hands to knead it into a smooth dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch more water. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4.Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. Resting helps the gluten relax, which makes your chapatis softer and easier to roll.
5.Divide and Roll
After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls — about the size of a golf ball. On a flat surface, lightly dust the area with flour and roll each ball into a thin, round disc. Try to keep the thickness even all around. If you don’t get a perfect circle, don’t worry — it will still taste amazing!
6.Cook the Chapati
Now it’s time to cook! Heat a tawa (or flat frying pan) over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place your rolled-out dough onto the tawa. You should see bubbles forming after about 30 seconds. Flip it over when it’s golden-brown on one side.
Now, cook the other side for about 30 seconds, then flip it back again. Gently press with a cloth or spatula to help the chapati puff up. This step is important for getting those soft, fluffy layers!
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your chapati is cooked and puffed up, remove it from the pan. You can brush it with a little ghee or butter for extra flavor, or just serve it as is. Pair it with your favorite curry, vegetables, or dip.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chapati
1.Use warm water: Warm water helps the dough come together more easily and makes your chapatis softer.
Don’t skip resting the dough: Letting the dough rest is essential for soft chapatis. It relaxes the gluten and makes the rolling process smoother.
Cook on high heat: Cooking the chapati on a hot tawa helps it puff up quickly, resulting in soft and airy layers.
Use oil or ghee: Adding oil or ghee to the dough and brushing it on the cooked chapatis gives them that soft, flavorful finish.
Why Should You Make Chapati at Home?
Making chapati at home is not only fun, but it’s also healthier than store-bought options. You can control the ingredients, making them as light or rich as you want. Plus, when you make chapatis yourself, you get to experiment with different flavors and pair them with your favorite dishes.
Chapati Made Easy!
